Polk Had Mixed Success With Legislature, Commission Told

Published: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 12:04 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 12:04 p.m.

BARTOW | Polk County had mixed success in getting measures passed and keeping damaging legislation from passing during this year's session of the Florida Legislature, its team of lobbyists told the County Commission Tuesday.

Issues included local fees, tort reform, public safety, water permitting and Medicaid funding.

Some of the issues were priorities before the session and others became priorities during the session as the issues emerged, said lobbyist Jim Brainerd, who was part of the team that also included Frank Bernardino and Lee Killinger.

<p>BARTOW | Polk County had mixed success in getting measures passed and keeping damaging legislation from passing during this year's session of the Florida Legislature, its team of lobbyists told the County Commission Tuesday.</p><p>Issues included local fees, tort reform, public safety, water permitting and Medicaid funding.</p><p>Some of the issues were priorities before the session and others became priorities during the session as the issues emerged, said lobbyist Jim Brainerd, who was part of the team that also included Frank Bernardino and Lee Killinger.</p><p>Half of their efforts involve keeping bad things from happening, Brainerd said.</p><p>Some of the highlights included:</p><p>A deal on counties' share of Medicaid costs that will give more time for a transition period and further study before additional costs are added.</p><p>The defeat of a change in business taxes that could have effected local government finances.</p><p>Approval of legislation to make it easier to get long-term water permits to develop alternative water supplies. </p><p>Failure to get approval to establish additional enterprise zones within Polk County.</p><p>Failure to get approval of legislation that would control medical damage costs.</p><p>Failure to get approval to require pre-paid cell phones to pay taxes to support the E-911 program, but did receive a commitment that the change will pass next year.</p><p>The lobbyists also reported that funding for projects in Polk had mixed success, especially water-related capital projects sought by officials in Frostproof and Winter Haven.</p><p>Commissioner George Lindsey said he'd like to see that change.</p><p>“Next year perhaps we can help to carry agendas for smaller cities who can't afford a lobbyist,'' he said. </p><p>Commission Chairman Melony Bell agreed, adding she was pleased that most of Polk's main priorities were successful.</p>